In 1998 when our circle was
formed, most of us lived in West Seattle.Since them, our membership has expanded into other Seattle
neighborhoods, as well as the East Side and Olympia. A close group of friends
wanted to preserve those ties by getting together on a regular basis.At the same time, we thought it would be nice
to do something good while we were at it.Ten years ago ACC was having a drive to add more circles. Josephine Devine, a member of Irene Hanley
Circle, suggested to her daughter that we create a new circle.Thus the Bishop O’Dea Circle was born.We started out with strong fund raising
efforts.But after a few years, the
birth of many children and the return of mother to full time work started to
take its toll.Now our membership is
smaller and we focus on providing in-kind donations.We continue to see each other regularly,
adding new faces as our circle changes.Our original members were
Christy Close, Maureen Dahlstrom, Judy Devine (inactive), Lori Grossi, Mary
Meucci, Tammy Savage(inactive), Linda Tobin and Margaret Vandenberg.Members who joined later were Brenda Haflin,
Ann Martin and Lynn Tobin.Our first fund raiser in 1999
was a Mardi Gras Party.We rented a
hall, hired a band, and served Hurricane cocktails and red beans and rice.The event overall was really colorful and
festive.We felt that it was a big
success.

In 2000 we had three events.First we redecorated several rooms at Elizabeth House with paint,
new furnishings, bedding and pillows. We also donated basic personal items such
as shampoo and soap.

The second project was an auction with a spring theme at a
member’s home.Decorations were
lilacs and milk glass.Wine and
dessert was served.Because of the
support of friends, family, local businesses and our hard work, it was a
great success.We made over
$12,000.

The third project was a rummage sale.This one kind of speaks for itself.

In 2001 our project was a non-event; a tea party.It was a clever way of asking for
donations.We brought in over
$4,000.

In 2002 we had another Mardi Gras Party, but this time we used
high school students as the kitchen staff.They were able to log volunteer hours and we were able to have a
lot more fun ourselves.

In 2003 we held a Flamingo Fund Raiser.We held people’s yards hostage by
putting plastic pink flamingos in their yard.For a donation we would come and remove
them.They in turn could “flamingo’
a friend.It was pretty fun.

Since 2001, we found that we
needed to keep our projects more low key.We began doing an annual layette project for Pregnancy Support Services
with donations from members and contributions from retailers.We put together snack packs for the
University District Youth Shelter, as well as donating clothing, toiletries and
other items that youth might need.The basic goal of our group
was to come together on a regular basis to keep friendships and help children
in the process.Our projects and events
have given us that opportunity.We have
so many happy memories.